Impacts of Air Pollution on the Respiratory System of Adults in Relation to Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Air pollution has a significant impact on respiratory health, yet comprehensive summaries of specific impacts are limited. This study reviews previous research done on this link, while connecting it to socioeconomic factors. Common air pollutants, such as particulate matter, have a large impact on respiratory health and can exacerbate diseases and medical conditions, such as coughing, wheezing, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Specifically, PM10 pollutants can deposit in the upper airways, and PM2.5 can reach deep into the lungs, leading to many complications. The efficacy of measures taken to combat these issues are also discussed. In recent years, governments have introduced national climate policies and green-space designs in urban municipalities to reduce negative health outcomes. These measures accomplish this goal to a limited degree but require further investment and development. To outline how socioeconomic status impacts air pollution-related respiratory illnesses, our study discusses five studies investigating socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure in various parts of the world. Evidence shows that low-income people typically reside in areas with high air pollution because housing is more affordable. This provides an opportunity for new research in social determinants of health to better understand its connection with human health.